ー英会話講師の英語日記ー　札幌英会話スクールSTEP UP（札幌駅、大通駅徒歩５分）

Japanese music

2017年7月3日 (月)

When I first came to Japan (way back when) I had no idea who SMAP or Orange Range or Hikaru Utada were. I came here with a very limited background in Japanese music, but the bands and musicians I did know I was surprised to find weren’t well-known.

Ever heard of DJ Krush? DJ Kentaro? HIFANA? Not into electronic music? How about The Pillows? The Aprils?? Maybe not…

These are bands that I was introduced to in America as a university student. Their songs were often background music at parties or in friend’s cars. While their popularity may have begun more than 20 years ago, they remain active today. DJ Krush, for example, just released a new album this month called 軌跡.　The album features eight of Japan’s best rappers, talented artists who are largely ignored by mass media. Perhaps this is for the best. Over the years, I’ve been introduced to lots of other great musicians. Ever listen to MAD3? Blankey Jet City? Eddie Legend? If not, don’t feel bad. There are plenty of American bands you may know that I’m clueless about.

Anyhow, those are some of the Japanese musicians that I love. I’m grateful for their music, and the deeper understanding that they bring to my experience living here.